FRASER Coast Regional Council is calling on locals to roll up their sleeves and donate blood or plasma this winter as the Local Government Blood Drive kicks off and the Lifeblood Teams competition heats up!

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Paul Truscott said Council had proudly held ‘Top Team’ naming rights at the Hervey Bay Donor Centre for the past two years, with Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service emerging as strong contenders.

“Together, Fraser Coast Regional Council and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service have more than 400 active donors who’ve already made over 1150 donations this year—helping save over 3450 lives,” said Cr Truscott.

“Council has made 376 donations so far in 2025, putting us 203 ahead—but we know Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service are coming for the top spot!”

Fraser Coast Nursing Director for Critical Care Troy Fisher said blood donations were vital to help respond quickly in a medical emergency.

“At our hospitals, we see the impact of blood donation every single day,” he said.

“It’s not just a resource, it’s a lifeline. Our patients rely on the generosity of donors to make recovery and survival possible.”

Lifeblood spokesperson Ruth Harrison said these teams are literally the lifeblood of our local donor centres, allowing them to meet local demand and save more lives.

“Someone somewhere in Australia will need a blood donation every 18 seconds and we need the support of our Lifeblood Teams to ensure we can meet demand,” she said.

The Local Government Blood Drive is also underway, with councils across Queensland competing to see who can make the most donations.

Cr Truscott said the Fraser Coast has won the title two years in a row and is aiming for a hat-trick in 2025.

There are over 150 appointments available to donate at Hervey Bay Donor Centre over the next two weeks. Call 13 14 95 or visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donors/blood-plasma-platelets